My left eye doesn't focus easily (I ride on the right side of the road, in Canada). If I look over my left shoulder, I can see behind me only using my left eye (the field of my right eye is obscured by my nose). It's hard to see what's moving towards me and how fast, at a glance using one eye, because the edge-detection is blurred.

So I think I want driving glasses which:

Let me focus towards infinity (that'll be the optometrist's job)

Great peripheral vision: so I look through the lens even when looking sideways (i.e. behind)

Basically, you want a large lens held close to the face. Paying extra for the "high refractive index" lens material will probably help. Or a mirror.
–
Daniel R HicksDec 1 '11 at 12:19

"I've never had prescription glasses but might like some." -- Just curious about this...Would you just "like" some, or do you "need" Rx glasses?
–
user313Dec 2 '11 at 22:58

@wdypdx22 - I see well enough with two eyes, day to day, that I haven't needed them. Only this act depends on my left eye alone, which is weaker than the right. I'd "like" to see whether an optometrist can improve its distance vision. I'm commuting in traffic. I only "need" glasses for shoulder checking (and to wear in rain and snow). Because my needs are cycling-specific, I ask here first (before getting measured).
–
ChrisWDec 3 '11 at 3:20

6 Answers
6

My answer is based on 25+ years of wearing prescription glasses and contacts.

For road cycling, fitness cycling and sometimes commuting, I wear contacts plus non-prescription cycling glasses with interchangeable lenses. The lenses on the cycling glasses are clear, plus 3 different tints and densities for varying light conditions. The lens coatings are key. I personally insist on scratch resistance, anti-glare coating and you can also find lenses with anti-fog coatings and UV protection. The higher end cycling glasses usually have these types of coatings on the lenses.

For commuting and casual riding, I usually just wear my normal prescription glasses. Your optometrist will determine your prescription, but you can specify various coatings and even the option of variable tints. Anti-scratch coatings and anti-reflection coatings are a MUST in my book. Anti-fog and UV coatings are nice but it's up to you. For the frames, most optometrists have many options and I'm sure they can help you make a decision based on your needs. You'll want to look for a sturdy frame if you'll be clipping a mirror onto the frame.

Depending on how old you are, you may need to consider progressive bi-focals. Anyway, I've never had any issues with peripheral vison, but if it's an issue for you just talk with your optometrist about it.

Here's a link to a description of the various coatings. Personally, I can't live without anti-reflection and scratch resistant coatings.

A note on cycling specific glasses... Most higher end cycling glasses (Rudy Project, Bolle, Oakley, etc) have the option of getting lenses with your prescription. However this is a very expensive option, especially since you'll need to replace the lenses when your prescription changes. This is why I use contacts with my non-prescription cycling glasses, because contacts are cheap.

@ChrisW - After seeing your comment... I think I'd recommend cycling glasses with Rx polychromatic lenses. Cycling glasses + interchangeable lenses + contacts is probably overkill for you. The quality brands of cycling glasses usually have that kind of option. I have Rudy Project glasses and before that I had Bolle, both of which are available with Rx lenses.

Note that you can often buy non-prescription glasses and have an optometry outfit put prescription lenses in them. I do this for safety glasses and save a bundle on the frames.
–
Daniel R HicksDec 1 '11 at 22:16

The best lenses to get peripheral vision are going to be contact lenses; which I can highly recommend for cycling. I wear continuous-wear ones, where you put them in at the beginning of the month and take them out at the end.

However when you're not used to contacts (or they're quite cheap) you run the risk of losing them to various factors (e.g. wind, drying out, dust). A pair of clear wrap-around cycling glasses will help minimise these problems, and you can wear your choice of sunglasses for the other requirements. :)

Indeed, me too. However,(1) the eyes dry out, when wearing contacts, hence the non-prescription glasses in the above answer. (2) The lenses you mention are hugely more convenient than daily lenses. (3) Moisturizing the eyes with "artifitial tears" a couple of times a day is recommended. (4) My glasses have fallen off more times, than my lenses. Just wanted to make those quick notes to people, who have no experience with lenses and cycling.
–
VoracNov 21 '13 at 15:04

Adidas sells a series of sports targeted glasses called Evil Eye. These can be fitted with inserts to correct whatever is wrong with your eyes (within some limitations). There's one insert with quite small corrective lenses and one with larger, the larger is more expensive. You will have to pay extra for the corrective glasses.

The corrected field of view is around 98% of the original field of view, if I have to guess. There's a range of original tinted glasses available that can be used together with the insert. These go from clear to arctic conditions compatible.

There are other manufacturers offering similar corrected sports glasses but I dont have experience with those.

I'm planning on getting a pair of Performance Radial II glasses with inserts. They are much more affordable than a lot of prescription or insert sport glasses. You can also order inserts through Performance Cycles. I haven't used them yet, so my recommendation is coming second hand--the reviews seem decent. They come with 3 color lenses--clear, orange and gray.

go to e-rudy.com and check out the "rudy project rx interchangeable" sunglasses (http://www.e-rudy.com/index_inner.php?group_id=1&cat_id=11). i got a pair in may of this year and i totally love them. they "wrap around" my face like no other perscription lenses i've ever seen. contact lenses may be your best bet, but there's a certain amount of hassle / risk that comes along with them (in my opinion). if you're not sure about the contacts, check to see if you have a rudy project dealer in your area (http://www.e-rudy.com/dealer_locate.php). if so, you can try some out to get an idea if they'll work for you.

in addition to looking cool and letting me see really well while i ride, my rudy project lenses are really good in the rain... the water beads up (like water on freshly waxed car) and blows off. i can see very well, even in the rain. i also got the "photochromic" lenses so i can ride in varying light conditions without having to change my lenses.

About a year ago, I got a pair of Oakley Fives with transition lenses. They are brilliant. Really good range of vision, even when shoulder checking. Plus with the transition lenses they always provide an appropriate level of shading.

The features that I like about this frame are:

They have excellent range of vision with large lenses

They are light (I can barely feel that I'm wearing them)

The arms are designed to detach rather than break so make them more durable

They can accept transition/prescription lenses

I think they look good :)

So to address your points above:

Fit prescription lenses and your focus is sorted

These frames have a very wide range of vision

I'd get transition lenses to handle various levels of light. This frame is light and strong.